Chances are, you feel as young as you did when you were 25. But does the face you see in the mirror look as young as you feel? Many Baby Boomers come to my office looking for a way to smooth out the early signs of facial aging with minimal downtime or discomfort. Botox® Cosmetic relaxes the facial muscles that cause frown lines.

For these patients, facial injectable treatments such as Botox®Cosmetic, Restylane® and Juvederm® can be a very good choice.

Botox® Cosmetic is a naturally derived protein substance that stops the action of wrinkle-causing facial muscles. For example, if you have frown lines on your forehead or between your eyebrows, Botox® Cosmetic can relax the muscles that create those lines. Many times, patients come in thinking they need a facial filler to smooth out their facial creases. But if I find that the creases are caused by muscle action, Botox® Cosmetic is often a more appropriate choice.

Sometimes I use Botox® Cosmetic and facial fillers in combination.

Facial fillers such as Juvéderm™ and Restylane® are made of hyaluronic acid, a naturally occurring substance in the skin.

These fillers work by adding volume and restoring moisture to rejuvenate the face.

I start by applying cream to numb the skin, then I give small injections of anesthetic. Once you’re comfortable, I proceed with the filler injections. The treatment takes only a few minutes.

You can see the results of Juvéderm™ and Restylane® injections right away. These fillers work by adding volume, so the effects are immediate. Results typically last six to 12 months. Because Botox® Cosmetic works by relaxing specific muscles, the results take a bit longer. Be prepared to wait for several days to see the full effects
of your Botox® Cosmetic treatment. Results last about four months.

David V. Martini, MD, is an Elkton, MD, facial plastic surgeon who is board-certified by the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.

Trust your face to a specialist. Dr. David Martini, a board-certified facial plastic and
reconstructive surgeon, can help give you a younger, more refreshed look—often without
the downtime or expense of surgery.